West Indies announce squad for T20I series against Afghanistan
Brandon King has been named captain in the absence of Shai Hope
ANTIGUA: Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Tuesday announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January 19 to 22.
The series forms a key part of the West Indies’ preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is set to begin on February 6.
The final World Cup squad will be named ahead of the three-match T20I series against South Africa, scheduled from January 27 to 31.
Regular T20I captain Shai Hope, along with experienced players Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein and Sherfane Rutherford, were unavailable for selection due to their commitments in the ongoing SA20 tournament.
In Hope’s absence, Brandon King has been named captain. King has prior leadership experience, having previously led the West Indies in T20Is, including during the home series against South Africa in early 2024.
Fast bowler Shamar Joseph and opener Evin Lewis return to the squad after successfully completing their return-to-play protocols following injuries sustained in previous series.
However, Alzarri Joseph, who was sidelined by injury towards the end of 2025, has not been included as a precaution following a medical review, despite making encouraging progress in his rehabilitation programme.
He will continue to be monitored for potential inclusion in the World Cup squad.
Meanwhile, Quentin Sampson, the Breakout Player of the 2025 Caribbean Premier League, has earned his maiden international call-up.
He replaces Rovman Powell, who has been rested for the series, along with Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd, as part of workload management.
Head coach Daren Sammy said the series would serve both as a fine-tuning exercise ahead of the World Cup and an opportunity to reintegrate key players returning from extended absences.
“The opportunity to play competitive matches in subcontinental conditions is ideal, as it assists with our preparations and confidence building ahead of what will be a competitive T20 World Cup,” Sammy said.
“It also provides a valuable platform to assess players who missed significant time towards the end of 2025, as well as those stepping into important roles for this series, before finalising the World Cup squad,” he added.
For the unversed, the squad is set to depart the Caribbean on January 14 and will arrive in the UAE on January 16.
West Indies T20I squad vs Afghanistan:
Brandon King (c), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer and Shimron Hetmyer.
Full tour schedule:
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